Since the 4th of July is fast approaching. Families are spending more time together and they need activities to do but it's so hot outside. So they are looking for ways to stay cool and have fun. Dozens of families braved the heat to enjoy the Tulsa Zoo. But they had to make sure everything was in the bag before they came out.
"You have to make sure you have your juice cups and you have the sun screen and you have the hats and you have everything you need to keep everybody hydrated and protected from the sun," says zoo visitor, Raychel Steamper.
Now that the zoo opens at 7 A.M. many people are taking advantage of that. Not just because it's cooler on them.
"The earlier the better. I think a lot of the animals get hot as well. So, you don't get to see much of it. So it's better to get out early," says zoo visitor, Kimberly Clarke.
Some families say their kids don't even notice the heat, they just want to see the animals.
"They don't even care about the heat they are just having fun," says zoo visitor, Wade Smallwood.
Steamper says, "There is no way the kids will let you sit in the house all day. They are like, no lets go outside. Even though mommy says no lets stay inside.
Zoo officials say they cool the animals off with water several times a day and they put up Zookeeper signs making sure people know some animals may not be out in the heat. They also have fan mister stations and shade spots for families. Some have found ways to stay cool and have fun.
"We road the train. Which then you get the breeze and stand in the shade while your kid goes around on the merry go round and then just stay in all the shady buildings that are air conditioned," says Steamper.
Several families made sure to bring umbrellas to be out of the heat and drinking water is key to be outdoors in the heat. The zoo does have several drinking fountains around the zoo that have cold water so you can fill up the water bottles. Steamper says you cannot forget the hat when your child has light hair.
"Especially my son who is two. He has very blonde hair and it's so light if we don't put a hat on his head it will burn. So it's just a way for all of us to protect ourselves so we don't get burned," says Steamper.
The zoo also have water slides that open at 8 A.M. to cool you off.
